Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems - Cartographic Specialist

at Fleming College - Frost Campus (Lindsay) Canada

Be a part of the solution - as an Ecosystem Management Technician, you contribute to the health of ecosystems, minimizing the negative impact we have on the environment. Through careful consideration of the needs of society and the environment, you'll help governments, conservation groups, and wildlife organizations do environmentally sustainable planning for the future.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Fleming's Ecosystem Management Technician program highlights a holistic approach to the management of human activity within ecosystems. We will prepare you for an exciting career that can take you where YOU want to go, either in your home community, in a wilderness environment, or across the globe. You will study ecosystem composition, structure and function in wilderness, rural, and urban landscapes, and acquire a broad range of technical skills, as well as the flexibility to adapt to changing job requirements. Throughout this program, you will:

• Learn the principles of experimental design and research, and how to apply them to a project of your own
• Participate in the monitoring and assessment of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, conduct resource inventories and environmental sampling, and develop plans for the management of public and private landscapes
• Conduct field research in partnership with a variety of organizations and analyze data generated by this work
• Learn to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to analyze ecosystems at a variety of scales.

WHY CHOOSE FLEMING

• Ecosystem Management is on the leading edge of resource conservation in the 21st century - the future is now.
• The School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at the Frost Campus encourages small class sizes and provides state-of-the-art technology.
• Dedicated, award-winning faculty provide a challenging and dynamic learning environment in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes region.
• While you learn about ecosystem science and the current techniques of sustainable resources management, you will also develop essential skills in communications, human relations, facilitation, problem solving, dispute resolution, and cultural awareness.
• This combination of skills and knowledge is transferrable on a global scale.

PATHWAY PROGRAM
If you do not meet the admission requirements for Ecosystem Management Technician, consider the General Arts and Science - Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option. This pathway program may provide the requirements you need for admission while you earn credit for first semester of Ecosystem Management Technician.

The Geographic Information Systems Application Specialist is the "wizard" who provides technical expertise to produce effective and useful plans and project reports through the applied use of technology.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
GIS Application Specialists help various agencies and government do effective planning to manage all aspects of the environment and community life. For example, you might work on natural resources, agriculture, or community health projects. You'll be collecting information, and then distilling it to be put into a form that specialists and technicians can use.

• In this post-graduate, intensive GIS program you will use current, high-end technology tools to collect, store, manipulate, analyze, interpret, and communicate geographic information within a variety of disciplines.
• Fleming's leadership in this field has been recognized by industry, government and business through their support in establishing the Geomatics Institute at Fleming.
• These outstanding partnerships offer students access to the latest computer hardware, software, data resources and field technology used in the industry today, as well as unprecedented learning and employment opportunities.
• You will have plenty of opportunities to practice your skills in a work-like setting, with a student to computer ratio of one-to-one.

Aquaculture involves a range of activities, related principally to farming marine and freshwater fish and seafood. The salmon industry accounts for the majority of aquaculture operations in Canada.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
This compressed, one-year program is the only Aquaculture program offered as a Post-Graduate Certificate in Ontario. Food aquaculture operations encompass a wide variety of species and culture techniques. In addition to food production, aquaculture activities include production of fish for conservation, and production for ornamental species. The global demand for aquaculture products is growing, along with demands for stewardship, sustainability and food safety and security. This unique program combines:

• Significant hands-on operational experience
• Numerous field trips to experience aspects of the aquaculture industry such as trout farming and conservation stocking
• Business training so that graduates can both promote the industry and understand the diverse challenges facing aquaculture enterprises

During first semester, students will address aquaculture fundamentals. Much of the program will take place in the campus hatchery facilities, which include an Atlantic salmon hatchery and a muskellunge hatchery.
The focus in second semester is on operational and business practices, and internship planning.

CO-OP EXPERIENCE
Final semester is an 8-week, off-site, paid co-op experience, enabling students to specialize in their area of interest.
Please note: In addition to paying tuition and fees for 2 semesters of study, students pay a co-op fee (approximately $558.00) for administrative costs associated with the co-op placement.

Conservation and Environmental Law Enforcement is a career that appeals to people who enjoy outdoor pursuits, and who have a balanced approach to consumption and conservation.

In this program, our mandate is to prepare field ready, entry-level conservation and environmental law enforcement officers. You can really make a difference. This is a challenging program with a heavy workload that is intended for serious students entering a competitive field.

Conservation and Environmental Law Enforcement is about regulating the use of natural resources, and accountability for activities that have an adverse effect on the environment. Examples of regulated activities include fishing, hunting, logging, aggregate extraction, alteration of fish habitat, the use of public land, and the discharge of pollutants.

This one-year, two-semester post-graduate program will prepare you for a variety of positions in the field, with a well-rounded selection of courses offering a good blend of practice and theory. You will be trained in such areas of study as procedural law, fish and wildlife enforcement, lands and environmental law, investigation techniques, forensics, and conflict management and avoidance. In your first semester, your learning will be enhanced through a fall camp, situated in a wilderness setting.

The Sustainable Agriculture program is designed for new farmers seeking an intensive, applied learning experience in sustainable, ecological or natural farming methods.

Program Highlight
Throughout the Sustainable Agriculture program you will:

• Learn from experienced farmers and practitioners in class, on farm field days, and during panel discussions.
• Develop your own business case and farm plan.
• Focus on the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture and small farm operations and viability.
• Enjoy a highly interactive learning environment.

Co-op Experience
The 16-week, on-farm, co-op experience over the summer creates opportunities for specialization. Previous co-ops have included national and international farm locations as well as work with urban food advocacy groups and farmers.

As an Environmental Technician, you will work to prevent environmental problems, resolve environmental issues when necessary, and provide education to the public.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Throughout this program, you will engage in a wide range of hands-on environmental training activities to complement your in-class courses. As a result, you'll be well-prepared to monitor and improve the natural environment.

• Our Environmental Technician program has achieved accreditation by the Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission (CEAC), a standing committee of Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada.
• Students are eligible for a number of environmental certifications through ECO Canada, including Environmental Professional (EP) and Environmental Professional-in-Training (EPt).
• Graduates of the Environmental Technician program who successfully pass the Certification Examination in the Water Treatment and Pollution Control course will have met the requirements of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Control (MOECC) Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators (which must be obtained in order to be employed as a Drinking Water Operator). The course is delivered by Fleming College in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and the Walkerton Clean Water Centre.
• Students also acquire four MOECC Operator-in-Training Certificates ("OIT's") in Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collection required for employment in the drinking water and wastewater treatment disciplines.
• The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) conditionally recognizes program graduates as meeting academic requirements for certification as C. Tech. (Certified Technician)
• Graduates of the Environmental Technician program who continue on to the Environmental Technology program may also have the opportunity to assist researchers in the college’s Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment (CAWT). The focus of this nationally-accredited facility is the development of wastewater treatment technologies for use in northern climates.

Optional Co-op
Students entering the program in September may apply to participate in an optional paid co-op. The deadline to apply is at the end of November, where students must submit an Application Form (including a resume) to the Co-op Office. Students must achieve a 70% (2.5 GPA) average, and pass all courses in Semester 1 in order to be enrolled in the Co-op Option. Students who are accepted will participate in a Career Preparation course, and will do their co-op between semesters 2 and 3. The Co-op Option provides the opportunity to:

• Integrate classroom learning with work-based learning
• Explore the variety of careers available in the field
• Network for future job opportunities

The Co-op Option is not available for students who begin the program in January, as they attend classes over the summer.

Love trees and want to help preserve our environment? With Fleming’s Arboriculture Co-op program, it’s possible to live in an urban setting and contribute to the environmental effort.

Program Highlights
As an Arboriculture graduate, you'll maintain and preserve trees and shrubs in the urban landscape and green spaces of our communities – providing cleaner air and much needed "green" relief from the concrete jungle.

• The program offers theoretical knowledge for all aspects of urban tree care, as well as such practical skills as safe tree climbing techniques, aerial rescue, pruning techniques, tree removal, power line clearing, and the operation and maintenance of relevant equipment.
• You will be able to identify approximately 140 species of trees and shrubs in both summer and winter conditions, and to diagnose and remedy major pests, disease, and tree disorders using the latest integrated management options to promote plant health.
• In 2nd semester, you can take the Arborist and Utility Arborist exemption exams, to qualify you for the in-school portion of these MAESD apprenticeships (there is no additional cost to you for your first attempt at writing these tests).

Work Experience

• From start to finish, the Arboriculture program is hands-on - you'll be spending a lot of time working with trees and shrubs outside in addition to your time in the classroom.
• There is a mandatory paid co-op semester from May to September.

Participate in more hands-on fish and wildlife field experiences and related work placements with a third year of study in the Fish and Wildlife Technology program.

Expand your career horizons. Through building on what you've learned in the Fish and Wildlife Technician program, and adding more in-depth studies into the science of fish and wildlife management, you'll be prepared for even greater career success in the field.

You'll take part in more hands-on field experiences and related work placements, training in advanced laboratory techniques, data compilation and analysis, and report writing. An exciting, four-weeks of field placement provides you with the opportunity to further explore your career options - and make valuable employment contacts. Two, week-long field camps in the fall and winter will round out your more intensive experience and extensive skill set.

• Fleming is the only college in Ontario offering a third year specialization in Fish and Wildlife Technology.
• Program graduates are eligible for advanced standing into Trent University's Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology or Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Resource Studies and can complete their Honours degree with just two years of study at Trent.
• Program graduates are eligible for advanced standing entry to Wilfrid Laurier University, Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies and can complete this degree with two years of study.

Why Choose Fleming
The Fish and Wildlife Technology program benefits from the expertise and enthusiasm of faculty with extensive real-life experience in the field, and from hands-on, experiential learning. We also help you secure your future, as many governmental and private employers are looking for graduates from this program. Our contacts are a valuable resource in your career development.

The General Arts and Science – Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option is designed specifically to prepare students for entry into one of our School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences diploma programs.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Upon successful completion of this two-semester certificate program, you will receive credit for all Common First Semester courses and entrance directly into semester 2* of one of the following programs in the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences:

• Ecosystem Management Technician
• Environmental Technician
• Fish and Wildlife Technician
• Forestry Technician
• Resources Drilling and Blasting

You will also be eligible for entry to semester 1 of the Urban Forestry Technician Co-op program.
Discover your options while you discover nature. Explore the campus. Learn hands-on ecosystem skills and the wider world of ecology and the environment to prepare you for your environmental or natural resources sciences diploma program. Belong to a field crew in a camp setting while you learn outdoor skills. Prepare yourself with courses in math or chemistry. Study computing and communications, to build skills set for a successful future. The program will enable you to:

• Discover and explore the programs and related career fields within the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences
• Get to know yourself better and make an informed choice about your career path
• Learn more about the natural world we live in
• Develop field skills and improve your academic and vocational skills
• Gain confidence and a head start on your college diploma program 

TRANSFER AGREEMENTS
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions

Ecological Restoration is an emerging discipline that focuses on assisting the recovery of degraded, damaged or destroyed ecosystems.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Become a leader in the Science of Hope. Make your stand in the green revolution by helping to restore our natural environment for present and future generations.

• The collaborative Ecological Restoration program developed by Trent University and Fleming College provides a bold and innovative solution to this challenge. The program:
  • Is interdisciplinary with a foundation of science-based curriculum.
  • Is broad-based so that you will develop an understanding of the big picture - and comprehend ecological principles that can be transferred to any ecosystem and adapted to any project.
  • Was designed to improve traditional college students' access to a university degree.
  • Is integrated to combine applied learning, field skills and experience with theoretical and scientific knowledge and principles from day one.
  • Provides opportunities for field camps, field courses and a capstone course.
  • Encourages and supports students who seek out internships and international opportunities.
  • Offers a unique combination of college and university cultures - the best of both worlds.

ADVANTAGES OF THE ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION JOINT DIPLOMA/DEGREE
Through the collaboration between Trent and Fleming, faculty, teaching, field study courses, applied projects and resources are shared over the four years of the program.

• This integrated introduction to both academic cultures will prepare you for the transition from Fleming to Trent.
• The program is carefully designed so that you will truly understand the connections, relevance and fit between courses in the program of study.
• Both institutions are renowned for their environmental focus and commitment to providing support for students to achieve success.

You will begin this adventure by spending two years at Fleming College’s School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences in Lindsay. This School has a 40-year history of preparing graduates for employment in the environmental sector. Here, you will build on your science, math and communications skills while also practicing ecological restoration through field courses and project work. Please note, the Restoration Ecology overnight field camp takes place two weeks prior to start up of semester 3 and provides students with the opportunity to further develop hands-on skills in ecosystem restoration.

Your next two years will be at Trent University in Peterborough, home to one of the first environmental programs to be established in Canada. At Trent, you can choose to either build towards a specialization, or continue to balance theory and practice in a more broad-based degree program.

Since this is an innovative diploma/degree model that infuses elements of both the college and university experience throughout the four-year years, you will not obtain your college diploma at the completion of your two years at Fleming College. Instead, you will graduate at the end of four years with both your Ecological Restoration Technician college diploma and university degree in Ecological Restoration. (The distance between Fleming College's campus in Lindsay and Trent University in Peterborough is 45 kilometres, or about a 45-minute drive.)